One Last Hurrah, Part II

[Sergio Giovanni 0]

"One Last Hurrah, Part II"

Log entry 03: 07 September, 2154

 

Night falls once again over Monte Carlo, and over head a large full moon helps light the city, in addition with it's millions of artificial lighting. Though most cities would shut down and signifigantly diminish in activity in the night time, Monte Carlo wasn't one of them, and in most people's opinions, the action and parties in Monte Carlo only seem to get better in the night.

 

Fully dressed for his one last taste of freedom, Sergio once again leaves his house. According to the comminiqué he got yesterday, the transport shuttle would pick him up tommorow morning at 1000. Having already packed up his belongings he intends to bring to the Challenger, Sergio is ready to go to his new home aboard the Challenger. Well, almost ready.

 

After tommorow Sergio will be a Starfleet Officer once again. But this time, he'll have duties and responsibilities on the Challenger unlike anything he's ever experienced before. As the Chief Science Officer on an NX-Class, the Pride of Starfleet, alot of expectations and responsibility will be placed on his broad, young shoulders.

 

He must act as a role model to his sub-ordanates and fellow officers alike, and try to perform to the best of his ability, to appease his Commanding Officers, and superiors. This is a milestone moment in his career, and he certainly didn't want to blow it. But before he becomes just another good obedient little officer in the Fleet, a little bit of fun is in order.

 

Driving to the city's main square, Sergio meets up with his friends Eduardo and Juan. With them are three stuningly beautiful women dressed in some beautiful silk evening dresses. From his father's company, he observes. "Hey, Sergio. I want you to meet some friends of mine" says Eduardo.

 

"This, pretty little blonde is Tiffany, over here is Mandi and that is Ruby" Sergio nodded to each and gave all a small kiss on the hand. "Enchanté" he replies in French. They simply smile, and say that it is nice to meet him. Eduardo leans over to Sergio. "So, what do you think of them?" he asks. "They're very nice, and very gorgeous, but are they..?" Sergio trails off. "Oh no! No! They're just really good friends of mine" Eduardo imediately replies, knowing what his friend is thinking.

 

Sergio nods in relief. "I see, great. well shall we?" replies he. Eduardo smiles and claps Sergio on the back. "Yes, let's. We shant keep the girls waiting" said Eduardo. Sergio smiles and walks back to the girls and Juan. Ruby, a slim and slender brunette walks over to Sergio wrapping her arms around him. "So, you're the Starfleet Officer we've heard so much about, eh?" she asks.

 

"Yes, I most certainly am" he replies. Still clinging onto him, Ruby smiles. In addition to a lovely body, she had an equally lovely smile and beautful white teeth. The lady takes great care of herself, and Sergio liked that. "Well, I always liked men in uniform. especially if that man is the future heir of my favourite apparel company"

 

The six of them pile into a limosine and head off into town. "So, what's the plan for tonight?" asks Sergio. "First we're going to go to the Reagal Casino, then go to the Chez Pierre for a nice candlelight dinner" replies Juan. Gambling and five-star gourmet dining. Two luxuries he probably won't get to enjoy on the Challenger. Though Sergio doesn't know who the head chef of the Challenger is, there's a very good chance that fillet mignon and escargot won't be on the menu.

 

A few minutes later, the limo pulled up to the front entrance of the Regal. Though it just opened a few months ago, the Reagal Casino already was one of Monte Carlo's most popular casinos. Upon entering the building, they are greeted by loud machines, the clatter of coins and the shouts of people winning or losing their fortunes away. But that's the name of the game with casinos, and as long as you don't go over your head, you'll be alright.

 

The first thing they did was walk over to the blackjack table. Blackjack was probably Sergio's favourite game. It's a game of numbers, and mathmatics as well as a little bit of luck. Sergio settled into his seat and ordered a Long Island Iced Tea. Thirty minutes into the game, he had already amassed a large amount of chips. "21! Blackjack!" the dealer exclaimed.

 

Cheers errupted from the table as Sergio's friends and onlookers congratulated him on a good hand, and leading the table quite significantly in overall winnings. On his third Iced Tea, Sergio let the moment absorb into his head. "You're doing great buddy, a regular natural" Eduardo said. Sergio smiled smugly. "It's all in the luck of the cards, old man" Sergio said.

 

They continued to play for another two hours, before moving on to another table. They performed respectiably in craps and poker, and fairly well at roulette. But for that time being he forgot all about Starfleet, and it wasn't just due to all the Long Island Iced Teas and pina coladas either. Ruby leaned affentionally on Sergio's shoulder and watched on happillly as the roullete ball landed on his number.

 

Sergio sipped on his strawberry pina colada, and cheered. "Oh yeah, baby!. That's the way to do it" he said. Ruby squealed in delight, and nuzzled against Sergio. "Oh, baby you're killing 'em" The night rolled on until they decided to leave for dinner. All did quite well in the casino, though they were left a little bit tipsy from the drinks.

 

They piled into their limo and headed to the trendy Chez Pierre for dinner. "Oh, that was great wasn't it.. we won so much money.. it's beatiful" Juan said looking at his bars of latinum. Sergio chuckled. "Got that right" he said patting is leather briefcase contaning his winnings. Soon, the big limo pulled in frontof Chez Pierre, one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.

 

"Alright, who's hungry?" Eduardo asked. "This is your last chance at some gourmet grub, Sergio... so eat, drink and be merry, as they say" Even though it was about midnight now, the restuarant, like the casino was crowded. They were led to a booth overlooking the marina. Candles and an ice box with three bottles of Dom Perignon 2123 vintage champange awaited them.

 

Sergio, Eduardo and Juan sat beside each other across from Ruby, Mandi and Tiffany. Under the table, Rudy affectionatly runs her foot on Sergio's leg. Not that he minds of course. Sergio flashes her an enchanting smile. Their dinner arrives minutes later, and they open the bottles of champagne. They toast Sergio on his journey and wish hm good luck, and dig in on the meals.

 

Sergio will probably never taste Beef Wellingon so tender again, so he savours every last bite. Music is played in the bar, as many of Sergio's pals arrived to wish him luck. "To our good buddy Sergio, good luck and come back safe to us, eh? Cheers!" a friend says. They clink their glasses and cheer, as the band plays on in the grand ballroom of Chez Pierre.

 

Sergio spends the night dancing and partying with his friends and Ruby. Cheering , dancing and having an all-around great time. But pretty soon, the ballroom is littered with bottles and cups. They dance the night away until 0200, when most were too drunk to even stand up. Sergio and the others are helped into the limo which speeds back to Sergio's home.

 

Sergio and his pals stick their heads out ofthe limo's sunroof. "Whoo-hoo! Goodbye Monte Carlo! I'll miss you!" Sergio yells out. The wind rustled past his hair, and made him feel a bit better. Then he sat back down on his seat. "Man, I'm gonna be feeling this tommorow. I hope I'll be okay for orientation on the Challenger" Sergio stated.

 

His friends nodded, and Eduardo fished out a small paper bag from one of the cup holders in the limo. "Take this" Eduardo said. "It's anti-hangover pills, we figured you'd get plastered so we went to the pharmacy and bought these for you. Top rate stuff this is. Heh, your captain won't even know you spend half the night drunk when you meet him"

 

Sergio snickers. "Super, I do want to get off on the right foot with him. I hear both Moose and Moore are tough, gritty individuals. I certainly don't wish for them to first see me looking like I just came from the gutter" he said. "I Hear you. Don't worry, take two of these in the morining, after a nice hot shower and you'll look and feel just fine" Eduardo replies. "If not, you can always return it for a refund"

"Thanks guys, you're the best" Sergio says. "ahh, don't worry about it" is Juan's reply. At 0230 the limo drops Sergio off at his house.

 

"Hey, good bye Sergio. We'll see you Sunday at the christening ceremony. But until then, stay safe and good luck" they shake hands and kiss cheeks as per European courtesy customs. "Thanks guys, see you Sunday" Sergio said.

 

The transport is due to pick him up at 1000. Sergio sets the alarm for 0930, which'll give him long enough to shower, shave get dressed and grab a quick breakfast. It's so good to be a man, ale to get ready in five or ten minutes, unlike women, who take an absolute eternity to dress up and get ready. Sergio thought to himself.

 

Sergio was absolutely exhausted, and didn't even change out his clothes. Instead he packs his pyjamas into his bag with the rest of his clothes, and plops down on the bed. It doesn't take him long before he's out cold for the night, ready for what tommorow has in store for him.

Edited September 7, 2004 by Sergio Giovanni